Originally posted by BullittSome relatively soft goals let in by Kipper today. Here's hoping he turns in a stellar performance Tuesday night.

He did let in a couple of chincy goals, but at the same time he led his team to a victory when he faced 50+ shots on goal. Kiprusoff wasn't too far off that stellar performance you're looking for with that game one.

Well, the Flames played like the drizzling shits for half of the game and still won. Kiprusoff was steady, but relatively unspectacular. Ricci's goal was a flukey one: Off Kipper's mask and Ricci dove in and batted it into the net. Their second goal was just a rocket from the point. Kiprusoff could've had it...but...whatever. The third goal was a beauty over his shoulder.

Just like against Detroit, Calgary got outplayed and outhustled and Kiprusoff managed to keep them in it long enough to win it in OT. And just like against Detroit, the Flames have a 1-0 lead and a bunch of ways to improve upon their play. I like their chances.

Looks like I might have sold the Flames short - I thought that the Canucks series had taken it out of them and that Detroit would roll - then I thought that the Wings series had been their peak and that they wouldn't have enough left to take the Sharks but going home to Calgary up 2-0 tells me that this team has that mojo going that could and should take them to the Finals and probably the Cup. Game 3 will tell a lot about the mettle and the make up of the Sharks but I don't see them winning 4 of the next 5 games.

As opposed to the usual beating up of the bodies that happens during the playoffs, the Flames seem to be getting stronger. Not only that, they also appear to be learning from their previous experiences in the playoffs.

Plus, the Flames are playing without two of their top 6 defensemen (Toni Lydman & Denis Gauthier), their top rookie (Matt Lombardi), their #2 center (Steve Reinprecht) and their #1 left winger (Dean McAmmond).

According to interviews with Darryl Sutter, Lydman & Lombardi both have "upper body injuries" that the local media are guessing are concussions. Lydman's skating with the team, but Lombardi's not yet. IF the Flames make the Big Dance, expect to see Lydman in the line-up...and maybe even Lombardi. Denis Gauthier, Dean McAmmond, Steve Reinprecht and Lynn Loyns are not gonna play, period. Extra bodies are rookie goalie Brent Krahn, rookie D-man Brennan Evans, vet Dave Lowry and rookie forward Martin Sonnenberg. Krahn's been practicing with the team and working with the Flames new goalie coach, but isn't expected to see much action while Kiprusoff & Turek are around...

...And the Flames blow their 2-0 lead in the series, sending it back to San Jose tied 2 apiece. Twas so bad in Game 4 that Roman Turek, he of the $4.5 million salary and hilarious inconsistanies, started the third period for the red & black. Indeed, Game 5 will decide the series. And it's tomorrow. I hate the NHL's scheduling.